Under New Management
Under New Management: Surrendering Control to God
Have you ever felt like you're no longer in charge of your own life? For many Christians, this can be a frustrating realization. But what if this loss of control is actually the key to a more fulfilling spiritual journey?
Imagine selling a house you've lived in for years. Once you sign those closing documents, it's no longer yours. You can't just walk back in whenever you want – that would be trespassing. In a similar way, when we accept Christ, we're essentially signing over the deed of our lives to Him. We're under new management.
But unlike a business changing hands and potentially declining in quality (like the story of Colonel Sanders and KFC), our new manager is perfect. God doesn't compromise or cut corners. He always has our best interests at heart.
So why do some Christians struggle with this concept? Why do we hear complaints of "Why this?" and "Why that?" when things don't go as expected? Some even become bitter enough to walk away from their faith entirely. The core issue often lies in a misunderstanding of what it truly means to surrender to God.
The apostle Paul beautifully captures this idea in Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
This verse encapsulates the essence of surrendering to God. It's not about losing yourself, but about allowing Christ to live through you. It's a profound shift in perspective that can transform every aspect of your life.
But what does this surrender look like in practice? Here are three key points to consider:
1. We are called to surrender
Romans 12:1 urges us "to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God." This isn't a partial or conditional offering – it's a complete dedication of ourselves to God's will. Jesus himself modeled this surrender in the Garden of Gethsemane when he prayed, "Not my will, but yours be done."
2. Understanding what surrender is not
Surrender isn't about asking God to bless our pre-made plans. It's not partial or delayed, nor is it simply adding more Christian activities to our lives. True surrender involves allowing God to transform our will and desires, even when it's uncomfortable or doesn't make sense to us.
3. The benefits of surrender
When we fully surrender to God, we experience a profound sense of peace and freedom. We're no longer captive to circumstances or events. Instead, we can trust that God "keeps the books" and will ultimately bring justice and purpose to every situation.
Consider the story of Job, who faced unimaginable loss and suffering. Despite his circumstances, Job declared, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him." This unwavering faith came from a deep understanding that God was in control, even when everything seemed to be falling apart.
Proverbs 3:5-6 offers timeless wisdom on this topic: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." This passage reminds us that our own understanding is limited, but God's wisdom is infinite.
Surrendering to God doesn't mean we'll never face challenges or hardships. In fact, the Bible promises that we will face trials and discipline. Hebrews 12 reminds us that God disciplines those he loves, much like a parent corrects a child. These experiences, though often difficult, help build our character and deepen our faith.
So how can we cultivate a spirit of surrender in our daily lives? Here are a few practical suggestions:
1. Daily devotion: Make time each day for prayer and Bible study. Job 23:12 says, "I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread." Prioritizing our spiritual nourishment is crucial for maintaining a surrendered heart.
2. Examine your heart: Regularly ask yourself if there are areas of your life you're still holding back from God. Are there decisions or plans you're making without seeking His guidance?
3. Practice letting go: When faced with challenges or uncertainties, consciously choose to trust God rather than trying to control the situation yourself. Remember the phrase "Let go and let God" – it may sound cliché, but it encapsulates a powerful truth.
4. Seek God's will in all things: Before making decisions, big or small, pause to ask for God's guidance. Be open to His direction, even if it differs from your initial plans.
5. Cultivate gratitude: Regularly thank God for His goodness and faithfulness. This practice can help shift your focus from what you might be "giving up" to what you're gaining through surrender.
Remember, surrendering to God isn't about losing yourself or becoming passive in life. Instead, it's about aligning your will with God's perfect plan. As you learn to surrender, you may find that you experience greater peace, joy, and intimacy with God.
The journey of surrender is ongoing. As C.S. Lewis wisely noted, "Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done." Each day presents new opportunities to choose God's will over our own.
In conclusion, consider this: You are under new management. The deed of your life has been signed over to God through Christ's sacrifice. Will you fight for control, or will you embrace the freedom that comes with full surrender? The choice is yours, but remember – God promises plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).
As you reflect on these truths, may you find the courage to surrender fully to God, trusting in His perfect love and wisdom for your life.
Have you ever felt like you're no longer in charge of your own life? For many Christians, this can be a frustrating realization. But what if this loss of control is actually the key to a more fulfilling spiritual journey?
Imagine selling a house you've lived in for years. Once you sign those closing documents, it's no longer yours. You can't just walk back in whenever you want – that would be trespassing. In a similar way, when we accept Christ, we're essentially signing over the deed of our lives to Him. We're under new management.
But unlike a business changing hands and potentially declining in quality (like the story of Colonel Sanders and KFC), our new manager is perfect. God doesn't compromise or cut corners. He always has our best interests at heart.
So why do some Christians struggle with this concept? Why do we hear complaints of "Why this?" and "Why that?" when things don't go as expected? Some even become bitter enough to walk away from their faith entirely. The core issue often lies in a misunderstanding of what it truly means to surrender to God.
The apostle Paul beautifully captures this idea in Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
This verse encapsulates the essence of surrendering to God. It's not about losing yourself, but about allowing Christ to live through you. It's a profound shift in perspective that can transform every aspect of your life.
But what does this surrender look like in practice? Here are three key points to consider:
1. We are called to surrender
Romans 12:1 urges us "to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God." This isn't a partial or conditional offering – it's a complete dedication of ourselves to God's will. Jesus himself modeled this surrender in the Garden of Gethsemane when he prayed, "Not my will, but yours be done."
2. Understanding what surrender is not
Surrender isn't about asking God to bless our pre-made plans. It's not partial or delayed, nor is it simply adding more Christian activities to our lives. True surrender involves allowing God to transform our will and desires, even when it's uncomfortable or doesn't make sense to us.
3. The benefits of surrender
When we fully surrender to God, we experience a profound sense of peace and freedom. We're no longer captive to circumstances or events. Instead, we can trust that God "keeps the books" and will ultimately bring justice and purpose to every situation.
Consider the story of Job, who faced unimaginable loss and suffering. Despite his circumstances, Job declared, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him." This unwavering faith came from a deep understanding that God was in control, even when everything seemed to be falling apart.
Proverbs 3:5-6 offers timeless wisdom on this topic: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." This passage reminds us that our own understanding is limited, but God's wisdom is infinite.
Surrendering to God doesn't mean we'll never face challenges or hardships. In fact, the Bible promises that we will face trials and discipline. Hebrews 12 reminds us that God disciplines those he loves, much like a parent corrects a child. These experiences, though often difficult, help build our character and deepen our faith.
So how can we cultivate a spirit of surrender in our daily lives? Here are a few practical suggestions:
1. Daily devotion: Make time each day for prayer and Bible study. Job 23:12 says, "I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread." Prioritizing our spiritual nourishment is crucial for maintaining a surrendered heart.
2. Examine your heart: Regularly ask yourself if there are areas of your life you're still holding back from God. Are there decisions or plans you're making without seeking His guidance?
3. Practice letting go: When faced with challenges or uncertainties, consciously choose to trust God rather than trying to control the situation yourself. Remember the phrase "Let go and let God" – it may sound cliché, but it encapsulates a powerful truth.
4. Seek God's will in all things: Before making decisions, big or small, pause to ask for God's guidance. Be open to His direction, even if it differs from your initial plans.
5. Cultivate gratitude: Regularly thank God for His goodness and faithfulness. This practice can help shift your focus from what you might be "giving up" to what you're gaining through surrender.
Remember, surrendering to God isn't about losing yourself or becoming passive in life. Instead, it's about aligning your will with God's perfect plan. As you learn to surrender, you may find that you experience greater peace, joy, and intimacy with God.
The journey of surrender is ongoing. As C.S. Lewis wisely noted, "Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done." Each day presents new opportunities to choose God's will over our own.
In conclusion, consider this: You are under new management. The deed of your life has been signed over to God through Christ's sacrifice. Will you fight for control, or will you embrace the freedom that comes with full surrender? The choice is yours, but remember – God promises plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).
As you reflect on these truths, may you find the courage to surrender fully to God, trusting in His perfect love and wisdom for your life.
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